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Recommendations of Childcare Report must be implemented – McLellan

Having recently launched a report on Affordable and Quality
Childcare on behalf of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, Sinn
Féin TD and Spokesperson for Children Sandra McLellan has said that “High
quality childcare not only benefits children, it is good for the economy and
society as a whole.”

The Cork East TD said:

“This important report identifies many of the main issues
that must be addressed if we are to have in place adequate childcare provision.

“High quality childcare not only benefits children, it is
good for the economy and society as a whole. Investment in the childcare
sector, which at present is dictated by the market, makes sense.

“The report addresses a number of issues including paid
maternity and paternity leave and issues faced by the families of children with
special needs.

“One of the report's key recommendations is that there
should be no separation between the treatment of private and community services
in delivery of childcare services. All services that are governed by the same
legislation should have an equal application of standards and similar staffing
pay scales.”

Deputy McLellan also said that Tulsa Inspection Reports
should be standardised and accelerated and adequate resources would be required
to ensure the extension of free for the estimated 127,000 additional children
that would benefit in its first year of operation.

“Earlier this month Sinn Féin launched its Childcare Policy
which put forward costed proposals for quality childcare provision which is an
important precursor when preparing children for early year’s education.

“The findings of this Oireachtas Committee report
contain many of similar recommendations to those that underpin Sinn Féin policy
and the next government must implement the findings of this report so we have
in place adequate, affordable and quality childcare provision.”